WHEN DARKNESS FALLS
Acoma Pueblo is home to the oldest continuously inhabited village in the US. Now it gives something to carry the warrior spirit of the Native peoples to the world, When Darkness Falls.
Theses Native sons were drawn together in October 2004 and first went by the name Tormented Soul. They drew upon musical inspiration by playing covers from some of their favorite bands like; Metallica, Pantera (RIP Brother Dime), OZZY, Rob Zombie, Killswitch Engage, and others from this genre.
Patrick “Bucky” Vallo- drums, Rollin Valdo-guitar, and Larson “Dutch” Valdo were drawn together and were the catalyst that would spawn When Darkness Falls. They were soon joined by Brandon “Turtle” Valdo- vocals, Lawrence “Jay” Garcia- Bass, and Zachary Garcia- additional vocals.
The Spirit flowed through them and inspired them to begin writing their own original material. They drew upon life experiences and their Native culture and have written over 20 original songs. They have played many local shows. One of their most memorable was a benefit show in December 2005 for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in front of 1,100 people.
When Darkness Falls continued to grow and develop as a band and develop their own unique style and proving that Native Americans can rock.
In 2008 When Darkness Falls signed to an independent label named Mysteria Records. They went into the studio and laid down some of their best tracks. These tracks were then sent to LA to be mixed and mastered by Rob Tarango who has worked with artists such as; Tiffany, George Lynch, Souls of We and many others. With the tracks mastered, When Darkness Falls prepared to unleash “A New Defense” on an unsuspecting public.
Friday, June 13th 2008 saw the release of their sonic assault at the El Rey theatre. It was a success and the CD continues to sell well.
The future is wide open for When Darkness Falls. They have become role models for young music loving Natives and have proven that Natives can hold their own amongst their metal counterparts. They also continue to carry on the proud warrior spirit of their people.


Band Member Musical Interests/Influences

Larson “Dutch” Valdo- guitar
Larson was influenced by the six string mastery of artists like; Kirk Hammett, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani. To cure his boredom he began to learn how to read guitar tablature and soon was playing cover songs which eventually developed his own style of playing. He listens to all types of music encompassing all genres.

Brandon “Turtle” Valdo- vocals
The voices of Corey Taylor, Phil Anselmo, Howard Jones, John Mayer, and Maynard James Keenan inspired Brandon to look inside himself and bring forth the voice he knew was inside him. This voice allowed him to express himself in a way that provided a release for his passions. He is currently listening to Type O Negative and Pink Floyd. He also carries an appreciation for all music.

Lawrence “Jay” Garcia- bass
Lawrence has not forgotten where he comes from and credits his mom and dad as his greatest influences. Musically he draws inspiration from such greats as Dimebag Darrell, and Geddy Lee. He listens to a lot of metal and classic rock, Children of Bodem being one of his current favorites. Lawrence was asked to take up the bass and through the learning process he has made it his own and has developed his own style of playing.

Zachary “Zakk” Garcia - vocals
Listening to the likes of Bon Scott, All That Remains and Howard Jones set fire to the vocal chords of Zakk. While attending a When Darkness Falls practice session, the spirit flowed through prompting him to pick up a microphone. The ensuing sonic assault so impressed them that he was asked to join as a second vocalist.

Rollin “Ro” Valdo - guitar
Metallica, Pantera, All That Remains, James Hetfield, and Zakk Wylde all were influences to Ro. He began his musical journey by learning some guitar in junior high school. He took a brief hiatus but picked it back up in high school and has never looked back. He is currently listening to All That Remains and Bullet for My Valentine.

Patrick “Bucky” Vallo - Drums
The music runs deep in Bucky. Always into music he had dreams of becoming a master of thunder like his idols; John Bonham, Neil Peart, Jason Bittner, Lars Ulrich, Dave Lombardo, Shannon Larkin, Danny Carrey and “Animal” from the Muppets. A lack of a drum set never set him back. He carried around drumsticks eagerly awaiting the day when he would have a kit to play on. His Aunt helped him to realize his dream by buying him his first drum kit and unleashing him upon the world.
Music: Everything, all types of music (yes, country too) he is currently listening to: Winds of Plague, Sevendust, and Rush